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Colts add ex-Patriots WR Deion Branch before game at New England

The Indianapolis Colts are adding a one-time Patriots Super Bowl MVP before their divisional playoff game at New England. The Colts announced on Monday that they have agreed to terms with wide receiver Deion Branch.

Branch, 34, played for the Patriots from 2002 to 2005 and from 2011 to 2012. During his first stint, he teamed with quarterback Tom Brady to help them win two Super Bowls. Branch was named MVP of Super Bowl XXXIX against the Philadelphia Eagles after the 2004 season as New England repeated. Combined with his performance against the Carolina Panthers after the 2003 season, Branch has produced 21 receptions for 276 yards and a touchdown on the game's biggest stage.

It's unknown how much Branch will play to help quarterback Andrew Luck during the Colts' current playoff run. Darrius Heyward-Bey is banged up, but Luck has made the most of throwing to the unheralded mix of T.Y. Hilton, Lavon Brazill, Da'Rick Rogers, Griff Whalen and tight end Coby Fleener in the downfield passing game. All those players were key in Indianapolis' improbable 45-44 comeback victory in Saturday's wild-card game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Colts will also be down two defensive players for their matchup with Brady and for the rest of the playoffs. The team put defensive lineman Fili Moala (knee) and cornerback Greg Toler (groin) on season-ending injured reserve.